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Are you doing what's necessary to get a good night's sleep every night? Getting a good night's sleep can usually be determined the following morning depending on how positive you are and how refreshed you feel, though many Americans today consider anywhere between 7-9 hours of sleep optimal for their performance the following day. But whether you're a night owl or an early bird, there are certain habits you might be doing that can hinder your sleep patterns and keep you from achieving that coveted snooze.

At Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C., you'll find all the answers you need for achieving the best sleep every night, as the trusted sleep experts on site make it their goal to put you to bed! They'll also provide you with preventive knowledge that takes into account some of our worst bedtime habits, including watching TV, doing cardio workouts, and checking your phone right before you're about to hit the hay.

One of the temptations many Americans face today involves their smartphones or other communication devices - but did you know that using many of your favorite electronic toys could be wrecking your sleep? Check out three reasons why using your iPad, high-tech phone, or any other electronic device before bed can set you up for a poor night's sleep below:

They emit blue light - All electronics give off blue light, which is imperceptible to the naked eye but comes at a frequency that disrupts our body's ability to produce its natural sleep hormone, melatonin. That makes it more difficult for you to fall - and stay! - asleep.

They disrupt your circadian rhythm - Your circadian rhythm is your body's natural cycle that keeps your conscious hours and your unconscious ones in rhythm, so you don't have to worry about being awake during sleeping hours or asleep during waking hours! But using an iPad or other electronic device at bedtime gets your circadian rhythm all out-of-whack, confusing your body about when it's time to sleep and when it's time to be awake.

They make it difficult to relax - Your emails, missed texts, and Instagram notifications can wait until tomorrow - checking them just before you fall asleep only fills your head with unnecessary stimuli that distract you from achieving a full night's rest!

For more information on why avoiding electronics at bedtime can help you achieve a better sleep, give one of the trusted sleep experts at Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C., a call today at (847) 929-4420 for full nighttime relief right here in Schaumburg, IL!

You feel a bad migraine coming on - what do you do? If you don't want to be suffer through debilitating pain all day, you try one of these nine ways to deal with migraines to experience quick relief.

1. Switch Environments: If your migraine is caused by loud noises, bright lights or over-stimulation, get away to a quiet, dark room to rest for a while if you can.

2. Avoid Triggers: Keep a journal to determine which foods and situations are most likely to trigger your migraines. Avoid them whenever possible.

3. Take a Nap: If napping is an option, go lay down right away. You'll feel much better when you wake up.

4. Exercise: Alternately, exercising is a great way to take care of your body and keep those migraines at bay.

5. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever: If you need the pain gone immediately and you don't have time to try some of the other, more natural pain relief options, an over-the-counter pain reliever can knock the pain out fast.

7. Get a Massage: A massage always feels wonderful, especially when you have a migraine to treat.

8. Have a Little Caffeine: While caffeine can be a major migraine trigger, oftentimes just a little caffeine can help, especially if you have recently quit drinking soda and your body is going through withdrawal.

9. Visit Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, SC for Botox: If none of the at-home remedies seem to be working and it's time to try something a little more serious, it may be time to visit Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, SC for Botox. Many people don't realize it, but, in addition to smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, Botox is also medically approved to help treat migraines as well.

Don't suffer through migraine pain day after day. Try any of the above at-home remedies and then call or visit Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, SC in Schaumburg migraine help today.

Getting a good night’s rest is a crucial element of maintaining good overall health. It’s estimated that up to 40% of adults experience insomnia at some point in the course of a year. Schaumburg sleep doctor Rosalyn M. Aranas, M.D. is available to help patients who are having sleeping issues, large and small. If you’re having a problem with your sleep patterns, take a moment to understand more about sleep disorders and how to resolve this common issue.

What Is a Sleep Disorder?
A sleep disorder is any condition that makes it difficult or impossible to get a good night’s sleep or stay asleep. You may sleep for a few minutes then wake up without explanation. You may stay up all night long staring at the ceiling or the back of your eyelids but not fall asleep. Sleeping too much can also be considered a disorder. Problems sleeping are often a result of some type of neurological issue -- your brain isn’t receiving or sending the right messages. When you don’t get the proper amount of sleep each night it causes a lack of energy, fatigue and even problems with your mental well-being.

Common Treatments for Sleep Disorders
There are a number of different types of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, sleep paralysis, hypersomnia, narcolepsy and REM behavioral disorder. Schaumburg sleep Dr. Rosalyn M. Aranas, M.D. offers a number of suggested treatments for patients who have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep. Common treatments include breathing devices to wear in the mouth, medications, dietary changes and therapy (when it is related to stress or other mental problems).

Getting Help with Sleeping Problems
Going days or weeks without getting a good night’s rest is definitely not normal. You need sleep to restore your body and mind daily. Get in touch with Schaumburg Sleep Dr. Aranas of Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago SC by visiting her website at http://www.neurologysleepclinics.com/sleep-disorder.html to request an appointment or by calling (847) 929-4420.

Sleep is essential for our well-being. Sleep helps our bodies to repair themselves and also helps give our minds a break from the hustle and bustle of the day. However, many people struggle with falling or staying asleep. In fact, about 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders each year, and about 20 million more Americans have occasional problems with sleep. If you’ve been tossing and turning into the wee hours, here are some of the most common disorders that could be affecting your sleep in Schaumburg.

Common Sleep Disorders

1. Sleep Apnea

Over 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to stop while asleep. Each breathing interruption lasts for at least ten seconds and will happen intermittently throughout a person’s sleep cycle. Because of this lack of oxygen, those with sleep apnea are often exhausted during the day.

Sleep apnea can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. However, from oral appliances to wearing a CPAP mask while sleeping, there are several ways to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

It’s suspected that about 10 percent of the American population may have RLS. This neurological condition causes throbbing, creeping sensations in the legs. You may also experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. The cause of RLS is unknown; however, genetics may be the main factor. Lack of sleep and alcohol may also make symptoms worse.

Treatment includes incorporating lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, taking certain supplements, and reducing alcohol intake. Sometimes dopamine-related medications can help control symptoms.

3. Narcolepsy

Many people have heard about this brain disorder that affect sleep-wake cycles. Those with narcolepsy will experience sudden bouts of sleep that may hit them at any moment. These bouts can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Narcolepsy can greatly impact a person’s daily life. It can be dangerous to drive a car or operate machinery and it can make school or work a challenge.

While there are no cures for narcolepsy there are medications to help treat the condition. Common medications include those that “wake up” the central nervous system (e.g. modafinil), certain kinds of antidepressants and sodium oxybate.

4. Insomnia

People that have insomnia can experience a host of sleep issues:

Problems falling asleep

Tossing and turning throughout the night

Waking up too early

Feeling tired after waking

Insomnia can be either acute or chronic and can be linked to certain health conditions like depression, asthma or heartburn. Mild forms of insomnia can be treated by incorporating better sleep habits. For those with health-related insomnia, treating the medical condition will help alleviate sleep problems. Also, behavioral approaches such as relaxation exercises may also help insomniacs.

Call Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.

If you think your exhaustion or sleep problems could be due to a sleep disorder, call our office today to schedule an appointment. Nothing is more valuable than getting a good night’s rest!

Are you a patient of Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!

There are over 600 diseases of the nervous system, including brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, meningitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. If you suspect that your symptoms are characteristic of a neurological condition, you need a trusted neurologist who has special training and knowledge to help diagnose and treat the problem. With the hundreds of nervous system disorders out there, it’s important that we are able to pinpoint whether your symptoms are neurologically rooted. Here are some of the diagnostic testing we offer to give you the answers and peace of mind you’ve been looking for:

Electroencephalography (EEG)

An EEG records electrical activity in the brain. With the use of electrodes, which are placed on a patient’s scalp, a computer records brain activity. There are several types of EEGs that we offer, including our outpatient routine EEG, ambulatory prolonged EEG, and overnight inpatient continuous video EEG. If you’ve already scheduled your upcoming EEG, here’s what you should expect from your appointment:

We will measure your head and the electrodes will be placed on your scalp (don’t worry—this doesn’t hurt at all!)

We will ask you to lie down and get comfortable (easy enough, right?)

We may ask you to take deep or fast breathes during your EEG, but otherwise you can lie down and relax for the majority of your visit.

The test will take about 90 minutes

We typically run overnight EEGs to record seizure disorders. For these tests we recommend bringing someone with you, as well as packing food and entertainment (you will be here a while and we don’t want you to get bored!).

Ambulatory EEGs record brain activity for 24 to 72 hours. We apply the electrodes and then ask the patient to complete a diary of daily activities and symptoms throughout this time period. You can go about your standard routine; however, strenuous exercise isn’t recommended. Afterwards, you will return to our office so we can remove the electrodes and look at the results.

Nerve conduction and electromyography study (EMG/NCV)

An electromyogram studies the electrical activity of the muscles during rest and contraction. We may recommend this testing if you are experiencing pain or numbness in your legs. These tests will also check the health of your spinal nerves, as well as the nerves in your arms and legs. This test can pinpoint tissue and nerve damage, herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome and Guillain- Barré syndrome.

Vagus nerve stimulation programming for epilepsy

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) helps prevent seizures through the use of mild electrical pulses that are sent from the vagus nerve to the brain. This device is similar to a pacemaker and is implanted in your chest. Then the wire is implanted around your vagus nerve in the left side of the neck. Both the strength and timing of the electric pulses are programmed by us and are based on your specific health needs. This is a simple procedure that can sometimes be offered as an outpatient treatment.

These are only some of the diagnostic testing we offer our patients. If you need to schedule an appointment with your neurologist, call us at (847) 929-4420.

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